Power transmission projects

315-kV Chénier-Outaouais Line

Having received the necessary government approvals, Hydro-Québec Équipement has begun land clearing for the 315-kV Chénier-Outaouais line. This 114-km long line will connect Chénier substation in Mirabel to the 315/230-kV Outaouais substation in the municipality of L'Ange-Gardien. The project also includes connection work at Chénier and Outaouais substations.

The project is intended to reinforce the 1,250-MW interconnection capacity with Ontario under any grid operating conditions. It will also improve the reliability of native load service in Québec. Construction of the new line in the existing right-of-way of the Chénier-Vignan line will reduce its environmental impact.

The cost of this project is estimated at $214 million ($140 million for the line and $74 million for work at the substations). The line is expected to be commissioned in spring 2010.

This project is part of the planned interconnection with Ontario, which also includes:

• Outaouais substation;
• the 230-kV Outaouais-Ontario line;

The total cost of the interconnection is estimated at $684 million. In keeping with company practice, Hydro-Québec will pay particular attention to regional economic spinoffs.